Christians owning guns specifically for self defense? (Biblical references, insight?)

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Kaylaherin

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This is a very hot topic that I am sure many have noticed. Both in Christendom and also outside of it as well. I have a stance on this, and I know there are many different stances. I know of people personally, that are believers that feel that we should have weapons in our home for defense, and also those that do not believe we should defend in a way that brings bodily harm to anyone? It seems that this is a topic that is extremely controversial.

I am interested to know if there are any other believers that feel as if they would not own a gun or a weapon in self defense, and why. I am also interested in knowing from the other perspective, those that are for owning them and do own guns and weapons, and why? Or even if you desire to not own any for that purpose, but are not against someone owning them?
 

razzelflabben

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Personally we do not own guns...that said I could see a time when we owned one for hunting but not for self defense. As to self defense my stand is that there are lots of ways to stop someone without killing them. Including but not limited to a weapon if you happen to have one handy. I should also mention however that we have a dog that would be good protection. We don't have him for protection as some do but that wouldn't stop him from doing what was necessary if push came to shove.

I guess that is the long way of saying that I take the middle ground. I see both sides and my only real hard stand is do everything possible to protect without killing if it ever came down to that situation. Hope that makes sense. And no we aren't worried about protection which is where I personally think most people go wrong. They worry about whether or not they are safe rather than just trusting God to be their protection and if put in the situation trust God with even that.
 
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RaymondG

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I do not wish to die by the gun, therefore I shall not live by it. I fear that me trying to protect myself will shed light on the doubt i would have in the protection of the one who sees all and knows all. And who knows, Maybe God will step back and let me have a go at protecting myself.....and if I fail, He will step in again.......as long as my failure is not to the death.

That being said...I dont think it is wrong for other to protect themselves if they desire to. And I personally like Guns and would consider owning one if I had access to a shooting range......never got around to going to one.....but maybe i will get to one day.
 
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Ken Rank

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This is a very hot topic that I am sure many have noticed. Both in Christendom and also outside of it as well. I have a stance on this, and I know there are many different stances. I know of people personally, that are believers that feel that we should have weapons in our home for defense, and also those that do not believe we should defend in a way that brings bodily harm to anyone? It seems that this is a topic that is extremely controversial.

I am interested to know if there are any other believers that feel as if they would not own a gun or a weapon in self defense, and why. I am also interested in knowing from the other perspective, those that are for owning them and do own guns and weapons, and why? Or even if you desire to not own any for that purpose, but are not against someone owning them?
Exodus 22:2 If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed

We have a biblical right to defend ourselves and our loved ones. We are commanded to not murder, but saving lives by taking another who would kill an innocent is not murder.
 
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tulc

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Exodus 22:2 If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed

We have a biblical right to defend ourselves and our loved ones. We are commanded to not murder, but saving lives by taking another who would kill an innocent is not murder.
...the one and only time a follower of Jesus uses a sword in the New Testament Jesus rebuked the guy using it and healed the person he struck. I think if you want to use the Bible to support us owning a weapon then we'd have to follow Jesus example and do like He did. I'd also ask: where did Jesus ever mention His followers owning guns in the Bible? :scratch:
tulc(would be interested in that last bit most of all) :wave:
 
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RaymondG

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Exodus 22:2 If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed

"and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."

I see no fault in you gunning down the robber, however, I dont see this as an underlying message of the bible.
 
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redleghunter

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This is a very hot topic that I am sure many have noticed. Both in Christendom and also outside of it as well. I have a stance on this, and I know there are many different stances. I know of people personally, that are believers that feel that we should have weapons in our home for defense, and also those that do not believe we should defend in a way that brings bodily harm to anyone? It seems that this is a topic that is extremely controversial.

I am interested to know if there are any other believers that feel as if they would not own a gun or a weapon in self defense, and why. I am also interested in knowing from the other perspective, those that are for owning them and do own guns and weapons, and why? Or even if you desire to not own any for that purpose, but are not against someone owning them?
I like to target shoot (marksmanship) with my sons. Having those guns at home just adds to the overall protection of the family. As do the bows and arrows we have. Not to mention as a baseball coach and sons as baseball players we have an 'arsenal' of wood and aluminum bats which are for other purposes than bludgeoning a home invader. But if I do have a home invader I figure I could have an escalation of force starting with the bats, then bows and then the rifles/pistols. It depends on what the other guy has. If he has nothing the dogs will 'take of him' until the police come.

So people have guns not for the primary reason to shoot other people who may be trying to harm you. Just like I did not get my dogs for the purpose of biting intruders. Having dogs with that basic instinct of protection was an added bonus.
 
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brinny

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I like to target shoot (marksmanship) with my sons. Having those guns at home just adds to the overall protection of the family. As do the bows and arrows we have. Not to mention as a baseball coach and sons as baseball players we have an 'arsenal' of wood and aluminum bats which are for other purposes than bludgeoning a home invader. But if I do have a home invader I figure I could have an escalation of force starting with the bats, then bows and then the rifles/pistols. It depends on what the other guy has. If he has nothing the dogs will 'take of him' until the police come.

So people have guns not for the primary reason to shoot other people who may be trying to harm you. Just like I did not get my dogs for the purpose of biting intruders. Having dogs with that basic instinct of protection was an added bonus.

That is awesome. I also admire those who are sharp-shooters with bows and arrows. Both take lots of skill.

Both are admirable and worthy of learning.
 
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Saucy

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...the one and only time a follower of Jesus uses a sword in the New Testament Jesus rebuked the guy using it and healed the person he struck. I think if you want to use the Bible to support us owning a weapon then we'd have to follow Jesus example and do like He did. I'd also ask: where did Jesus ever mention His followers owning guns in the Bible? :scratch:
tulc(would be interested in that last bit most of all) :wave:
Maybe Jesus had a different context? It wasn't that He was showing favor to His captors, but the fact that He had to go and die on the cross, so defending Him and trying to stop the crucifixion from happening wasn't the right move at the time.

But Jesus did tell a group to sell their cloak and buy a sword if they didn't have one...for self defense!

Luke 22:35-36 "Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?” “No,” they replied. “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!"

So, there's no issue with owning a weapon or defending yourself.
 
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RaymondG

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i don't believe guns are any more evil than guard dogs or locks on doors.
Gun, locks and doors cant be evil.....they dont have a conscience. I believe the OPer wants to know your feelings on making preparations to use deadly force for your own protection and protection of your family. locks and doors are a deterrence and protection for your belongings not necessarily a force or bodily protection.
 
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redleghunter

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That is awesome. I also admire those who are sharp-shooters with bows and arrows. Both take lots of skill.

Both are admirable and worthy of learning.
My youngest when in 5th grade came in third statewide in his age group (hundreds of kids) in archery.
 
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Ken Rank

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...the one and only time a follower of Jesus uses a sword in the New Testament Jesus rebuked the guy using it and healed the person he struck. I think if you want to use the Bible to support us owning a weapon then we'd have to follow Jesus example and do like He did. I'd also ask: where did Jesus ever mention His followers owning guns in the Bible? :scratch:
tulc(would be interested in that last bit most of all) :wave:
Guns did not exist in that day. That aside, God does not change... are we allowed to steal now? Serve other gods? No... so why would it now be wrong to defend your home when the God who "does not change" said it isn't a sin to defend yourself? God was one thing long ago and something else now? That would mean He isn't the same yesterday, today and forever.
 
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Ken Rank

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"and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."

I see no fault in you gunning down the robber, however, I dont see this as an underlying message of the bible.
I didn't say it was... she asked is there any Scripture to support defense and I proved one. If somebody comes in to rape your daughter or kill your wife... you stand and watch? That isn't God's intent here... He does not change and He said if somebody breaks in, AT NIGHT, you have a right to defend your home.
 
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tulc

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i don't believe guns are any more evil than guard dogs or locks on doors.
...do you remember the last time a guy walked into a church and killed 26 people with a lock on a door? :scratch:
tulc(asking for a friend) :sorry:
 
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brinny

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Gun, locks and doors cant be evil.....they dont have a conscience. I believe the OPer wants to know your feelings on making preparations to use deadly force for your own protection and protection of your family. locks and doors are a deterrence and protection for your belongings not necessarily a force or bodily protection.
Gun, locks and doors cant be evil.....they dont have a conscience.

Exactly.

Speaking of deterrents, it's an excellent deterrent.

Brilliant invention.
 
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RaymondG

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I didn't say it was... she asked is there any Scripture to support defense and I proved one. If somebody comes in to rape your daughter or kill your wife... you stand and watch? That isn't God's intent here... He does not change and He said if somebody breaks in, AT NIGHT, you have a right to defend your home.
Let's say we both are under the same scenario and an intruder enters our home. You take your gun and shoot him dead. For me the intruder slips up somehow and I get his gun...or he slips down the stairs or gets spooked and runs. We both will have been delivered from our situations, but would have different messages.

You (or people who hear your story) would say that is was a good thing that you bought your protection and your protection saved you.

I, Myself would say, that God was with me and Had it not been for the Lord on my side...I dont know where I would be.

God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble.

I dont mind trusting in him......And I dont mind others trusting in their own strength either.
 
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brinny

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...do you remember the last time a guy walked into a church and killed 26 people with a lock on a door? :scratch:
tulc(asking for a friend) :sorry:

Did the gun do this on its own?

(asking for a friend) :wave:

Coffee?

th_coffee_pouring.gif
 
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tulc

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Guns did not exist in that day. That aside, God does not change... are we allowed to steal now? Serve other gods? No... so why would it now be wrong to defend your home when the God who "does not change" said it isn't a sin to defend yourself? God was one thing long ago and something else now? That would mean He isn't the same yesterday, today and forever.
Hmmmm...so you refuse to wear mixed fabrics, do yard work on Saturday, eat a cheese burger or lobster? All of which were offenses in the Bible. :wave:
tulc(is just wondering) :)
 
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Let's say we both are under the same scenario and an intruder enters our home. You take your gun and shoot him dead. For me the intruder slips up somehow and I get his gun...or he slips down the stairs or gets spooked and runs. We both will have been delivered from our situations, but would have different messages.

You (or people who hear your story) would say that is was a good thing that you bought your protection and your protection saved you.

I, Myself would say, that God was with me and Had it not been for the Lord on my side...I dont know where I would be.

God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble.

I dont mind trusting in him......And I dont mind others trusting in their own strength either.
Exodus 22 is not dealing with a hypothetical Raymond... it is telling us how to deal with a real life situation. Maybe you get his gun... maybe you get shot in the process... but you are still supporting using force to end the situation. God is our strength, but the God that is our strength inspired Moses to write Exd. 22:2. :) And... God does not change! If you prefer pacifism, that's great and I support that. In fact I prefer it... but you can't force your convictions on others. Is there a bible verse that says we can use lethal force? Yes... therefore, God has spoken on the matter and the case is closed. :)
 
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